Darfur displaced critical of Mbeki’s remarks on voluntary return

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Darfur criticized African Union figure Thabo Mbeki for his comments on voluntary return of refugees and IDPs in western Sudan. The former South African president had said that there are many displaced people who expressed to him their desire to return to their places of origin. He was speaking in an interview with United Nations radio. He said that the return of displaced persons to their villages would provide an opportunity to bring development. For their part, the displaced people attacked Mbeki’s remarks on voluntary return, describing his comments as contrary to reality. A refugee with a leading role in the camps in northern Darfur said the security situation in Darfur is deteriorating. In light of this, he questioned how the IDPs can return to their villages from which they had been forced to flee. The IDP leader charged that Mbeki has become a supporter of the National Congress Party. His comments were broadcast this morning on Radio Dabanga.